Preparation of zirconia / smectite composites using ultrasonicator and its solid acidity

Abstract

Zirconia sol / smectite composites were prepared by mixing of swelling montmorillonite and zirconium oxychloride solution under ultrasonic. The obtained composites were characterized by XRD, nitrogen adsorption, and ammonia temperature programmed desorption (TPD). The obtained composites show higher solid acidity than the commercial acid montmorillonite (K10, Aldrich). The acid amount showed the linear relationship with the specific surface area. This shows that the origin of new acid point basically depend on the new surface of silicate layer.